1x19 or 1x25 Fore Stay

[Sail Maui]

I'm replacing standing rigging this winter as it is all 30 years old. Existing fore stay has 1x25 5/16 wire with sta-lok fittings which supports the ProFurl roller reefing system. Most suppliers do not carry 1x25 wire so unless there is a reason why to keep 1x25 I'm thinking about using 1x19 wire. The rear and side stays are 1/4" wire. Thanks for your advise.

[Jim Cate]

to be honest, I've never heard of 1x25 wire construction. 1x19 is the normal construction for standing rigging s/s wire, and there is no reason not to use it on your boat. One other option is what is called "compact strand" or "Die-form" construction. It uses shaped strands that pack more densely than the round wires in 1x19 and has better strength and stretch numbers for a given diameter.

Whatever you choose, be sure to get the correct replacement cones for your Sta-Loks.

Jim